MASTERBILT HOMES: Giving Customers What They Want
One of the best indicators of a person's satisfaction with a product is whether they would recommend the product to a friend. Especially in a sluggish economy, customer recommendations impact local companies in a big way. That fact holds true in the homebuilding industry, and is something for which Jim Stiltner, co-owner of MasterBilt Homes, is thankful.
"Many of our new customers come to us after hearing about us from friends, family and coworkers," says Stiltner. "We've earned a good reputation for quality building and attention to detail. It sets us apart."
That attention can be seen at several of their locations throughout El Paso County. Greenland Preserve, The Village at Monument, Black Forest Reserve and Willow Creek are four MasterBilt projects currently in the works.
Dan Higgins owns a MasterBilt home in Greenland Preserve. Higgins and his wife, Lynette, are repeat MasterBilt customers, a trait seen time and again by the company. "We were so impressed with the quality of construction and the homebuilding process that we wanted to go with MasterBilt a second time," explains Higgins.
Higgins was especially impressed with the builder's willingness to modify designs. "We were able to make changes from a base plan and customize it to get what we want," says Higgins. "I'm sure all the changes weren't simple for the builders, but they sure made it simple for me."
Stiltner explains that one of the things he and co-owner Clark Sundahl are most proud of is their ability to make modifications. According to Stiltner, that's something national builders aren't usually able to do. When a person is working with a local builder, there is more opportunity for thoughtful interaction and idea-sharing between the builder and customer. And because MasterBilt only takes on 12 to 15 projects per year, Stiltner and Stundahl are able to dedicate personal time to each design, each customer.
"We give people what they want," says Stiltner. "During the building process, we develop personal relationships and friendships with our customers. That's for real. I live in this community and I want my customers to be happy."
Keeping customers happy is easy when there are so many choices available. MasterBilt's current four projects offer a wide selection of floor plans and styles. The Village at Monument is located just west of Interstate 25, north of Baptist Road. The neighborhood is adjacent to the Santa Fe Trail and is pedestrian friendly. Views of Mt. Herman abound, and many residents enjoy the view from their large covered porches. There are five floor plans available at The Village at Monument, all of which feature Craftman-style detailing. The size of the floor plans range from 2,270 square feet for the Broadmoor to 3019 square feet for the Winter Park. Prices start around the low $300,000s.
Located adjacent to the expansive open space and trails of Greenland Ranch and the I-25 Conservation Corridor, Greenland Preserve abounds with Ponderosa Pine, Blue Spruce and blue skies. Median lot sizes of ¾ acre provide homeowners lots of space to enjoy nature.
The five floor plans available at Greenland Preserve each have more than 4,000 square feet. Prices start at $500,000.
Black Forest Reserve is a gated community dotted with pines and frequented by native wildlife. Homes are built on 2.5- to 4-acre lots, providing privacy and seclusion, while still remaining close to the action; downtown Colorado Springs is about 25 minutes away. MasterBilt is one of 13 builders working on the 500-acre-plus-parcel. Homes are priced at the upper $800,000s. MasterBilt's next project is Willow Creek, located near Woodmen Road and Union Boulevard. The homes there will be built in the Craftsman style.
Many of MasterBilt's floor plans are available on the company's Web site, www.MasterBilt.com. But to get an even better feel for MasterBilt homes and a firsthand look at their quality, Stiltner recommends driving through the neighborhoods in which the homes are located and visiting some models. Information on the location and hours of models is available on the Web site. Once you get the precise information, you'll be glad you did. Walking through the models, visitors are often struck by the high ceilings, oversized garages, well thought out amenities and sensible room placement. And visitors are further pleased that if something is not exactly the way they'd like them, designs can be tweaked to meet their desires.
"When we asked for suggestions about our ideas, they'd come back to us with drawings and recommendations," says MasterBilt homeowner Dan Higgins. "If it was important to us, they'd figure out a way to do it."
MasterBilt builders are always open to questions about their floor plans and home sites. And if you don't have a family member, friend or co-worker who lives in a MasterBilt home, there are many happy MasterBilt homeowners ready to give you a glowing recommendation.
"We have more than 450 customers still living in their MasterBilt homes," explains Stiltner. "These are people that are happy in their homes, and that makes us proud."
MasterBilt Homes offers quality construction in desirable locations, and is willing to cater homes to customers' individual needs.